Abstract: Plastic binding strips, one strip having studs which fit through holes in sheets to be bound, the other strip having holes to receive the studs are bound in a machine which compresses the strips toward each other, then cuts of excess stud length and forms rivet heads on the stud ends to bind the strips together. The present improvement over such machines uses a motor to drive linkages previously manually actuated. The binding motor drives linkages on either side of the machine which cause a transverse pressure bar to apply a pre-selected compressive force on the strips, then to initiate the movement of the knives which cut off the studs and form heads thereon and finally release the compressive force. The cutting and head forming functions are performed by springs which pull a transverse rod rearward of the machine to push rearward a support for the knives. A second motor drives a linkage which returns the pressure bar to its upward position as the binding cycle is completed.

Abstract: A first plastic strip has longitudinally spaced studs each of which can be bent over at a 90.degree. angle, the studs being serrated. A second strip has holes through which the studs fit and grooves which receive and secure the bent over studs, the grooves being serrated. Paper punched to receive the studs is clamped between the two strips. The studs are then bent over into grooves in the second strip and held in bent position in part by said teeth intermeshing. The paper is thus securely bound.

Abstract: Heretofore, there have been two common systems of strip binding. One uses paper punched with rectangular holes and curled plastic combs having fingers passing through the holes. The other uses round holes in the paper and male and female strips, the studs of the male strips fitting through the holes in the paper and in the female strips. Excess stud length is cut off and rivet heads formed to make a permanent bind. The present invention uses rectangular punched paper similar to the first systems and strips generally similar to the second system. At least two studs and female strip holes are offset to prevent lateral displacement of the paper.

Abstract: Cases (covers) for binding books are made in a series of sizes which differ from each other in the width of the spine and each size accommodates a range of book cores. The gauge of the present invention indicates which size case is proper and further measures the precise thickness of the core. Simultaneously, the gauge moves an edge guide of a positioning guide so that the core is located accurately centered relative to the spine area of the case and the case is also located relative to the guide.

Abstract: A bookbinding is provided by plastic studs which fit through holes vicinal one margin of each sheet and strips which are fixed to the ends of the studs. The studs may be formed integrally with one or, in alternating arrangement, with both strips and complementary holes formed in the matching strip or strips to receive the stud ends. Excess stud lengths are sheared and headed to lock the strips and interposed sheets in position. Both strips may be apertured and the studs inserted through the holes in the strips and interposed sheets, both ends of the studs being headed. To facilitate handling, strips may be assembled in cartridges or coils, and studs in rods or coils. For thicker books, strips are formed with flanges fitting behind the page margins. Spine concealing tapes and caps fit over or around the spine edges of the sheets.

Abstract: For accurate correlation of the punch pins and edge guide for a paper punch or the like, a gage sheet of predetermined length is formed with accurately located holes corresponding to the desired location of the holes or slots to be punched in paper of similar length (e.g., end holes equidistant from top and bottom of the sheets). Such gage sheet may be pre-punched and of a permanent character, or may be prepared by trial and error by adjusting the edge guide until the end holes are equidistant from the edges of the sheet. The punch pins are lined up with the gage holes and then the edge guide is moved snugly against the edge of the gage. The gage is then removed. The edge guide is mounted on a transversely movable slide visible through a window in the platen on which the paper is to rest. Markings for different paper lengths may be permanently displayed on the platen at an edge of the window. Markings on the platen may be affixed by applying thereto a decal having paper length markings thereon.

Abstract: An improvement on commerical machines which bind documents using plastic strips. The punch mechanism may be automatically actuated when the paper sheets are properly aligned on a punch platen or actuated manually at the user's discretion. Distance of the holes from the edges of the sheets may be indexed.

Abstract: An improvement on commercial machines which bind documents using plastic strips. The punch mechanism may be automatically actuated when the paper sheets are properly aligned on a punch platen or actuated manually at the user's discretion. Distance of the holes from the edges of the sheets may be indexed.

Abstract: An improvement on commercial machines which bind documents using plastic strips. The punch mechanism may be automatically actuated when the paper sheets are properly aligned on a punch platen or actuated manually at the user's discretion. Distance of the holes from the edges of the sheets may be indexed.

Abstract: An improvement on commercial machines which bind documents using plastic strips. The punch mechanism may be automatically actuated when the paper sheets are properly aligned on a punch platen or actuated manually at the user's discretion. Distance of the holes from the edges of the sheets may be indexed.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a pair of thermoplastic strips of the type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,117 wherein one strip is formed with studs longitudinally spaced at intervals and a second strip apertured and counterbored at the same intervals is used to bind sheets apertured at the same intervals at locations spaced inward from one marginal edge is described. A pressure bar is first manually moved to operative position and a handle compresses the strips together by exerting a controlled force on the pressure bar. The handle then initiates movement of a support for a knife consisting of a length of metallic ribbon material having spaced horizontal stretches in horizontal alignment with excess stud lengths of the first strip projecting through the second strip, the ribbon being under tension to hold such stretches taut. As the support moves toward the studs a current is passed through the ribbon, heating it so that the ribbon functions to cut off the excess stud length slightly below the second strip.

Abstract: A cover is provided around the spine of a book of the type bound together by two plastic binding strips positioned along the spine marginal edges of the core of the book, one strip having studs passing through holes in the sheets of the core and through holes in the second strip. The cover in the vicinity of the spine extends from under a first strip in a direction away from the spine, around the outside of the first strip, then outside the spine and over the outside of the second strip. Thus the spine is covered and the spine cover is locked under one of the binding strips which bind the core. The spine cover may be integral with one or both outside covers for the front and back of the book. In such instances, one outside cover is folded in a reverse fold punched with aligned holes through which the binding studs pass. Where a single cover covers both front and back, a single pressure sensitive adhesive coated end sheet, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a pair of thermoplastic strips of the type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,177 wherein one strip is formed with studs longitudinally spaced at intervals and a second strip apertured and counterbored at the same intervals is used to bind sheets apertured at the same intervals at locations spaced inward from one marginal edge is described. A pressure bar is first manually moved to operative position and a handle compresses the strips together by exerting a controlled force on the pressure bar. The handle then initiates movement of a support for a knife consisting of a length of metallic ribbon material having spaced horizontal stretches in horizontal alignment with excess stud lengths of the first strip projecting through the second strip, the ribbon being under tension to hold such stretches taut. As the support moves toward the studs a current is passed through the ribbon, heating it so that the ribbon functions to cut off the excess stud length slightly below the second strip.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a pair of thermoplastic strips of the type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,117 wherein one strip is formed with studs longitudinally spaced at intervals and a second strip apertured and counterbored at the same intervals is used to bind sheets apertured at the same intervals at locations spaced inward from one marginal edge is described. A pressure bar is first manually moved to operative position and a handle compresses the strips together by exerting a controlled force on the pressure bar. The handle then initiates movement of a support for a knife consisting of a length of metallic ribbon material having spaced horizontal stretches in horizontal alignment with excess stud lengths of the first strip projecting through the second strip, the ribbon being under tension to hold such stretches taut. As the support moves toward the studs a current is passed through the ribbon, heating it so that the ribbon functions to cut off the excess stud length slightly below the second strip.

Abstract: By means of only slightly modified case making equipment, a hard case for a book is provided with a pad which is attached to the spine edge of an uncased book by pressure-sensitive adhesive. This pad comprises a strip of foam of a material such as polyurethane of a length substantially the same as that of the cover boards for the case and a width slightly less than the gap between adjacent boards which is fastened to the cover material by the same adhesive which causes the cover material to adhere to the boards. In order to provide a non-porous surface for the foam, the latter may be covered by a layer of vinyl, the latter being of the same length and width as the pad and stuck thereto by a suitable adhesive. A layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material is applied to the vinyl and a protective release paper covers the pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive and release paper are spaced inward at top and bottom from the top and bottom edges of the boards.